Chapter 57
Muriela’s group entered through a small door in a corner of the main palace.
The door was originally created for waste disposal and was only used at specific times. Thus, even though it was a passage frequently used by servants, no one was around the door.
Of course, this was because Florina, under Corbin’s orders, had already ensured that the surrounding passages were clear.
The group cautiously moved through the main palace under Florina’s guidance. However, they did not hunch over.
While it was appropriate to crouch to avoid being seen outside, now that they were inside the main palace, crouching would only make them more suspicious.
Instead, it was better to walk with confidence.
‘The main palace isn’t much different from the queen’s quarters. It’s just bigger.’
This was Solinor’s observation.
During his time ruling the country, the royal palace had been so small and shabby that it was almost embarrassing to call it a palace.
Compared to that, the current palace was incomparably more developed, but adaptation was a frightening thing.
‘It’s more disappointing than I expected. I thought it would be much more magnificent, given how lavishly the budget was spent.’
Solinor, who had already spent a lot of time in Muriela’s quarters in her body, was familiar with the palace’s grandeur.
Although her quarters were among the humblest, he had frequently visited Queen Elodia’s quarters as well.
‘I’m already accustomed to this level of extravagance.’
Solinor followed Florina with large strides.
Of course, given his short legs, his “large strides” weren’t particularly fast.
Meanwhile, Bianca and Hamilton, still disoriented, followed with awkward steps.
However, since their pace matched the princess’s overall speed, it was clear that having longer legs was advantageous.
Eventually, Florina stopped in front of a door. She bent down and whispered to the princess.
“Your Highness. This is where the first official is. Are you sure you want to enter?”
“Of course. I’ve already thought about what to do.”
Without waiting for a response, Princess Muriela flung the door open. The group had no time to stop her.
Bianca and Hamilton, who were already anxious, became even more flustered. Even Florina, who had been briefed on the plan beforehand, began to sweat.
The princess confidently strode into the room. It was a fairly large office. Numerous documents were stacked on multiple bookshelves, and in the center was a large work desk.
The official, who had been sitting in the chair, was startled and stared at the princess with wide eyes.
It seemed he was alone in the office, likely because it was a Saturday.
He appeared to be somewhere between middle-aged and elderly, with a slightly graying beard that stood out.
‘Hmm, he looks like a typical corrupt official.’
Solinor had formed a biased opinion of the man based on his appearance, but there was some justification for it.
While reviewing the budget settlement documents, he had discovered numerous irregularities. The evidence of embezzlement disguised as errors was glaring.
It was so poorly hidden that even a child could easily spot it if they knew how to interpret the documents.
In other words, this was only possible in a place like Silbrenoa, where no one bothered to scrutinize such things.
‘Now, let’s get started.’
Who was the one panicking in front of him now? It was the official suspected of inflating the budget for several departments.
The budget had been submitted earlier this year, so while it had been allocated, it had not yet been spent.
If “education” was possible, a significant amount of money could be saved.
“Princess Muriela, what brings you to a place like this…?”
The official rose from his desk and asked in a hesitant tone.
This was the first time Princess Muriela had visited the main palace since her birth. Moreover, she was a minor princess with almost no influence.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a big deal if he didn’t recognize her face.
However, her face wasn’t entirely unknown. She had attended important royal events every year, after all. She had simply stood quietly like a doll and then left.
She had also attended the recent wedding and founding day ceremony. Thus, it wasn’t entirely strange that this official recognized her.
Solinor stood with his arms crossed, trying to look as intimidating as possible.
‘This pose always works when intimidating someone. It never failed.’
However, in reality, he just looked like a child trying to act tough. It was more cute than threatening.
If it had been Solinor in his previous life, it might have been effective.
“I’ve come to discuss the budget with you.”
“Excuse me?”
“You are the high-ranking official in charge of the budget, right? I already know, so don’t lie.”
“I would never dare to lie in front of Your Highness. Yes, I am one of the administrators in the budget department.”
They already knew he was on duty today. He was one of the five administrators in the budget department.
In Silbrenoa, to use the national budget for any project, the relevant department must first submit a proposal.
The budget department then reviews it and sends it to the king for approval.
At least three of the five administrators must agree for the budget item to reach the king.
“You’re the one who approved this budget, right?”
Solinor abruptly shoved the documents he was holding toward the official. The official carefully examined them and nodded.
“Yes, that’s correct. I approved it.”
Solinor was slightly surprised by how easily the man admitted it.
‘I was going to say, “You’ve confessed your own crime!” But he actually knows?’
Usually, corrupt officials would never admit to anything until undeniable evidence was presented.
It was strange, but it made things easier. It seemed like “education” would be straightforward. Like catching a fish that had already been hooked.
“Why did you do it?”
“What do you mean…?”
Suddenly playing dumb? Princess Muriela’s expression twisted.
‘Is this guy trying to weasel out of it now?’
It seemed the official had finally grasped the situation.
Solinor was furious at the man’s attempt to evade responsibility.
“Sir Hamilton.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Hamilton, who had been enjoying his day off before being abruptly summoned, answered nervously, still unaware of what was happening.
If he knew the princess had essentially brought him along as a hired thug, what would he think?
“Step forward.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Hamilton took a step forward. He was still blinking in confusion.
The petite Princess Muriela now stood beside the large, imposing knight. The official, with his escape route blocked, couldn’t help but feel intimidated.
“Now do you understand what I’m talking about?”
What kind of conversation tactic was this? The official racked his brain. What on earth was going on?
“I am too dull to understand what Your Highness means. Please, could you explain it again?”
The official bowed his head. Solinor was angry but not foolish. Beating him up wouldn’t solve the problem.
He pointed to one of the problematic sections in the documents and shouted.
“Look here! Does this really make sense? Why does it cost so much to handle just this one thing?”
The official raised his head and examined the documents. After reading through them, he sighed and nodded.
“Yes, you’re right. The officials have requested an excessive amount of budget. They probably intended to use the leftover funds for personal gain. Although it was submitted earlier this year and hasn’t been spent yet, since His Majesty has already approved it, it’s difficult to stop now.”
“Huh?”
Solinor was surprised again.
‘Why is he admitting it so easily this time?’
The official’s attitude kept changing every minute.
If a woman’s heart was said to be like a reed, this official’s heart was truly reed-like.
“Then why did you approve it if you knew? Don’t you know that aiding embezzlement is also a crime?”
“Of course, I know. I assure you, I have no intention of evading responsibility. However, there is a reason.”
Solinor was taken aback.
The official admitted his guilt but spoke with a dignified tone, as if he had a justification.
‘This guy… doesn’t seem like a corrupt official after all.’
It was a moment that revealed Solinor’s judgment of people was almost like a shot in the dark.
The official continued speaking. His voice was calm but carried a hint of bitterness.
“For over thirty years as an official, I’ve witnessed countless acts of corruption and turned a blind eye. It’s an unforgivable crime, no matter how you look at it.”
“Uh, yeah.”
“However, this was because I’ve seen many senior officials demoted for pointing out wrongdoing. I thought it was better to stay in my position and minimize the damage rather than speak up and be removed.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Nevertheless, failing to prevent it is still a failure. I leave it to Your Highness’s judgment.”
He was Patrick, Anton’s friend and the only remaining conscience in the budget department.
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